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the other hand, was absolutely amazing during my recovery. She would sit in front of the wheelchair and stare at me for hours on end. I have to say it was a bit unnerving and a little freaky at the time, but I knew she was in her nurse mode, taking care of me. At night, she would come into my bedroom to check up on her patient. I could feel the bed shake as she moved up along the base board. Sometimes with my hand hanging over the side of the bed, I would wake up to feel her little tongue licking away my pain. She would also wake up a family member if she heard me calling out for help.

Dogs offer an overwhelming amount of unconditional love and support. They will sit by your side and absorb the physical problems you are facing. They often have a sense about when you aren't well and they will adjust their behavior to accommodate your needs.

As I worked hard and did my daily exercises to retrain my lower extremities, my best friends were there working by my side, cheering me on. As I progressed to a walker and practiced walking, they would move out of the way so I could get around. They didn't jump up on me; instead, they respected that I needed space.

It was interesting to watch their reaction when I would place a blanket around my legs. Usually Ginger would get up, and find a close place where she could snuggle on the end of the blanket and channel healing into my legs. As Nurse Ginger helped me recover in those critical first few months, Krystal soon joined in and began to help as well. If I dropped something, they would retrieve it. They kept a watchful eye on me throughout the day, checking up on me at night.

Based on the friendship and love I received from my dogs, I was healed. It was exciting when I could walk so well that the doctor ordered my cane. I knew with my special supporters that I was going to be okay. Looking back, I know it was easier because I had the special healing powers of two wonderful friends. They helped me survive a tumor that tried to destroy my life. They taught me how to become a survivor.

It was truly a blessing to have 15 years with my beloved dogs, Ginger and Krystal. Even today, when I am having a difficult day, I can feel their presence or catch a glimpse of one of them standing by my side. There is a remarkable power of healing that dogs bring into our lives.

Learn more about this author, Diane Stacey.
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